Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Australia is fueling a major tourism rebound in Hong Kong, with more than two hundred twenty-three thousand Australians visiting the city in the first half of 2025—a thirty-three percent surge compared to the same period last year. This renewed interest is being driven by a vibrant lineup of world-class events including the Hong Kong Sevens, Art Basel, and the LIV Golf Invitational, alongside Hong Kong Disneyland’s twentieth anniversary celebrations and expanded airline connectivity through Cathay Pacific, Qantas, and Hong Kong Airlines. With momentum building and long-haul routes restored, Australia is once again emerging as a key pillar in Hong Kong’s international tourism revival.
Australian Visitor Surge to Hong Kong Hits 33% as Big Events, Airline Expansions and Cultural Attractions Draw Tourists Back
Hong Kong’s tourism sector is seeing a powerful resurgence in 2025, fueled in part by a strong comeback from Australian travellers. In the first half of the year, the volume of visitors from Australia surged by one-third compared to the same period in the previous year. This rise comes as a clear sign of renewed confidence and enthusiasm in Hong Kong as a travel destination, with momentum driven by landmark sporting events, cultural festivities, and stronger air connectivity.
According to the latest figures released by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), an estimated 223,000 Australian visitors entered the city during the first half of 2025. That sharp increase is bringing Hong Kong closer to regaining its pre-pandemic tourism strength, especially as it nears the previous peak of approximately 290,000 Australian travellers recorded in the first half of 2018, as reported by the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
Much of this resurgence is being credited to a dynamic tourism campaign and a revitalised event calendar, which together have successfully positioned Hong Kong as a compelling destination for both leisure and business travellers. The standout moment so far this year was undoubtedly March 2025, which was labelled a “Super March” by local tourism stakeholders due to its high-profile schedule of international events.
At the heart of the month-long festivities was the comeback of the iconic Hong Kong Sevens, the globally renowned rugby tournament now staged at the impressive new Kai Tak Sports Park, built on the storied site of Hong Kong’s old international airport. This tournament alone drew thousands of overseas spectators, many of whom included Australians who have traditionally followed the sport with zeal.
The second edition of the LIV Golf Invitational Hong Kong drew elite international golfers and affluent spectators, further elevating the city’s profile as a luxury sporting destination. At the same time, Art Basel Hong Kong brought in a different segment of visitors—art collectors, critics, and creative professionals from around the globe, once again underscoring Hong Kong’s role as Asia’s cultural hub.
Tourism is also being boosted by milestone celebrations, such as the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Throughout 2025, the iconic theme park is hosting year-long events and exclusive entertainment experiences aimed at families and international tourists. Alongside this, the West Kowloon Cultural District continues to expand its appeal, offering museums, live performances, and open-air public art spaces in one of the most ambitious urban cultural developments in Asia.
Beyond ground attractions, the rebound in Australian tourism has been supported by a significant ramp-up in flight capacity and service quality. Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flag carrier, has now restored its Australian flight network to pre-COVID levels, with consistent service to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Although Adelaide and Cairns remain seasonal, the airline has made key upgrades by introducing its new Aria Suite business class and third-generation premium economy cabins on Sydney routes, elevating the in-flight experience for premium travellers.
Cathay’s strong performance is also partly fuelled by travellers using Hong Kong as a transit hub to other Asian or European destinations. While these passengers are not included in the official visitor arrival numbers from HKTB, they represent a vital slice of traffic that benefits both the airline and the airport’s ecosystem.
But Cathay Pacific is no longer operating in a vacuum. Other carriers are stepping in to meet demand and offer alternatives. Hong Kong Airlines has expanded its operations into Sydney and Melbourne, signalling a more competitive market and giving consumers more choice in terms of schedule and pricing. Meanwhile, Qantas continues to run daily flights connecting major Australian cities to Hong Kong, maintaining its long-standing presence on the route.
Tourism analysts suggest that this upward trajectory in Australian arrivals is expected to continue through the rest of 2025, especially with more events planned in the second half of the year and continued promotional efforts by the HKTB targeting long-haul travellers. In particular, marketing campaigns tailored to Australian holidaymakers are emphasising Hong Kong’s blend of city energy, cultural depth, culinary experiences, and family-friendly offerings.
Australia is leading Hong Kong’s tourism revival in 2025, with visitor numbers soaring by thirty-three percent in the first half of the year. Major events, upgraded flights, and cultural celebrations are drawing Australians back in record numbers.
In summary, Australia’s renewed interest in Hong Kong signals not just a rebound but a repositioning of the city as a top-tier destination in the Asia-Pacific region. With aviation connectivity restored, iconic events driving visitor traffic, and tourism experiences evolving to meet modern expectations, Hong Kong is once again firmly back on the travel radar for Australians.
